Special Timetable Marks Black History Month

October is Black History Month and Brentwood School students are making sure the important contributions made by historical black figures are not forgotten with a daily factfile.

The student-led project will see a daily tribute to an influential black person, including an image, biography and inspirational story, which will be highlighted on TV screens across the campus, displayed on a daily bulletin and posted across social media platforms.

The month of posts kicks off today (1st October) with American poet Langston Hughes, who wrote novels, short stories, plays, and poetry, and is particularly known for his insightful portrayals of black life in America from the twenties through to the sixties.

Others, whose contribution will not be forgotten, include human rights activist Malcolm X, boxer Muhammad Ali and Rosa Parks, an American activist in the civil rights movement best known for her pivotal role in the Montgomery bus boycott.

Black History Month takes place in October every year and is an annual commemoration of the history, achievements and contributions of black people. Pupils across Brentwood School, in both the Senior School and the Preparatory, will also mark the occasion with special assemblies, themed art competitions, posters and Form time discussions.

The Senior School’s special timetable will also include: 

• Stephen Lawrence: The murder that changed a nation: video and discussion via Zoom on Wednesday 7th October
• Where are the Black Artists?: Lecture via Zoom on Tuesday 13th October  
• A Fine Arts Competition Inspired by Black History Month.

In Humanities classes at the Preparatory School, pupils will study a particular person or historical event: Year 3 will look at the life of Mary Jane Seacole, a British-Jamaican nurse, healer and businesswoman; Year 4 will study the Windrush and Jocelyn Barrow, the first black woman to serve on the BBC Board of Governors.

Year 5 pupils will discover more about writer and abolitionist, Olaudah Equiano, and Year 6 will get to grips with the Haitian Revolution. On 16th October, Prep pupils will also be asked to wear something red to mark Show Racism the Red Card Day; and over the half-term break, children will be invited to produce a poster about an Inspirational Black Briton.

The School’s caterers, Holroyd Howe, will also be treating staff and pupils to a special lunchtime feast of Afro-Caribbean cuisine on Wednesday 14th October.